VayuSena Rafale: News and Discussions - 17 Oct 2016

JayS · Post by **JayS** » 16 Nov 2018 23:57

Srutayus wrote:
Hope this provides some background regarding the offsets..

Looks like you are late to the party. Rest assured, I am already convinced that this is perhaps the cleanest deal ever in the history of Indian Def acquicision. And I support further follow on order of 36.

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 17 Nov 2018 00:51

Philip wrote:https://deccanchronicle.com/opinion/op- ... fight.html
False info, false testimony in Rafale dogfight
Published Nov 16, 2018,
We have a tradition in India, actually a discipline, that officers in uniform don’t take part even in political discussions, let alone debates.

Doing a postman's job.Don't fire a meteor at him! One mistake in his piece.It's not the F-117 but the F-22 .The F-117 has long departed.

Nevertheless,the manner in which our IAF brass have been making their mouthings in the SC leave a lot to be desired.The crude manner in which they're trying to turn the Rafale into a magic bullet without which the IAF cannot fight is simply ludicrous.The backbone of the IAF repeated by many an AM is the SU-30MKI which has bested the best of the west time and again,barring the F-22.Even MP said that it was an alternative to the Rafale when there was a logjam in negotiations.The "3.5" gen. classification is a new one in aviation circles! Certainly the SU-27 was first sen at Farnborough by the West along with the MIG-29 3.5 decades ago.The MKI however,is definitely a 4++ fighter ,esp. with BMos,along with the SU-35.The Rafale cannot carry BMos,neither does it have TVC and cannot perform the aerodynamics which the Flanker can as we've witnessed at several air shows in the past.
This doesn't mean that the Rafale isn't reqd. by the IAF.That fact is not in dispute and the IAF brass who've been always kept outside financial negotiations should keep their feet out of their mouths and not embarrass the GOI further.

Maha garbage article, no proof, no analysis, no new info just unadulterated hatred and stupidity

Srutayus · Post by **Srutayus** » 17 Nov 2018 00:57

Looks like you are late to the party. Rest assured, I am already convinced that this is perhaps the cleanest deal ever in the history of Indian Def acquicision. And I support further follow on order of 36.

I understand and value your posts. I dont mean to cause offence.
In general, it is unfortunate how only Reliance Defence is mentioned in discussions while there will be several other major parties involved in the offset contracts that are never mentioned. These contracts have the potential to elevate the game and create a good eco-system of players in Indian Industry. The cynical political mudslinging outside has vitiated the atmosphere and has started to color even our objective discussions on these aspects.
In any case the offsets, how they work, and the challenges to contacting strategies to execute these will make for interesting discussion.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 17 Nov 2018 01:02

Katare wrote:
Philip wrote:https://deccanchronicle.com/opinion/op- ... fight.html
Maha garbage article, no proof, no analysis, no new info just unadulterated hatred and stupidity

Indeed. Pure stinking garbage.

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 17 Nov 2018 01:05

JayS wrote:Its a matter of judicial overreach, not the one of transparency. We need to keep some leeway for people at the top so they can take decisions based on judgement calls. Question can be asked on how Ambani was chosen as a partner company. In this particular context and the case topic should have been limited to that one if at all SC couldnt resist taking up the case, question should not be asked on why Rafale was chosen and why only 36 were chosen. Lets say they are chosen to maintain our Air Arm of Nuclear Delivery capability and 36 are minimum numbers decided by that criteria, do you want GOI to put that one in public against its better judgement not to do so in first place in National Security interest...? That too forced by petty folks who have nothing but political mileage to gain through the whole excercise..? On top of it SC wants GOI to disclose details which are classified as per the G2G deal..? Can they not trust GOI when it is on record in Parliament in saying those details cannot be disclosed due to the agrememnt with French government? Where the lines are drawn..? Tomorrow SC might ask details on Arihant or our Nuclear program. We have routine mechanisms like CAG audit or Parliamentary committees or Expert committees to look into the relevant details of the deal in proper manner. So why SC takes up case in such haphazard manner with frivolous arguments which had no solid basis..? I see gross political overtone to the whole drama, both from the appealing party and from the GOI. This case is a pure mockery.

This is initial hearing to decide if there is anything that is wrong with the procedures or if anyone has any genuine proof of the corruption.

This is how a lot of the UPA 2 scandles were brought out by Prashan Bhusann and Swsmi types. During last hearing CJI clearly refused to issue notices to govt and also ruled “no discussion” on pricing. Pappu’s going to get his ass handed down to him shortly.

We must also not forget that ModiJi’s fortune shined only when SC gave him a clean chit. This could be a mini repeat of the same just before the election.

V_Raman · Post by **V_Raman** » 17 Nov 2018 06:07

If govt comes clean on this, then Modi's image will be boosted like crazy in time for 2019.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 17 Nov 2018 17:03

Media is working with kangrez baazies.. yet another proof here.

Without comment. Read this first https://t.co/VkaaJ7fdXO Now read what the IAF officer actually said in Supreme Court: https://t.co/3iq6lSWgOK No wonder we in media often face derision for jumping the gun

JayS · Post by **JayS** » 17 Nov 2018 18:04

SaiK wrote:Media is working with kangrez baazies..

Duh..

Wish there was a video recording available or atleast transcrpts of the proceedings available. Its utter waste of time to figure out what was exactly said from MSM reports.

Srutayus,
Relax. No offense taken. I know you have good intentions.

ArjunPandit · Post by **ArjunPandit** » 17 Nov 2018 21:33

ramana wrote:Guys dont waste time discussing Col Shukla. Thanks.

Sir he has launched the most well structured offensive on govt, as compared to any other journalist. His details, while may not be correct, find a lot of audience in AAP and educated circles. His IA background and stance on Arjun actually make him a poster boy against current govt. Of course not many know his Atlantic council things. I think there should be a discussion on his points

JayS · Post by **JayS** » 17 Nov 2018 22:02

I tried to find if SC has published transcript of the proceedings. Looks like they dont do that. I didnt find portal to access that data. One can find judgements, daily orders, case status and so on. But not entire proceedings. If anyone know that record is published and how to get it, please let me know. The case number is Writ petition(Criminal) No 225/2018. Unfortunately available data on this case has nothing interesting.

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 18 Nov 2018 09:49

Haha.....i tried couple if hours trying that on airport yesterday. Found nothing but missed my flight!

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 20 Nov 2018 08:33

Rafale issue will not tarnish Air Force's image: Raghunath Nambiar

https://m.economictimes.com/news/defenc ... 695581.cms

"I believe my fellow citizens can differentiate between chaff and wheat. And I am sure they are very well aware of what is happening around them, much more than what we probably think they are capable of knowing," Nambiar said.

"And I believe the Indian Air Force will never do anything wrong. We are very very focused, very very highly professional (in) service and we will continue to work to live up to the images that our citizens expect from us,"

Congress has alleged a scam in the deal signed in 2016 while the government denied any irregularity.

nits · Post by **nits** » 20 Nov 2018 16:15

Indian express has published IAF officer questioning in Supreme Court - https://indianexpress.com/article/india ... g-5450764/

This is how the conversation occurred in the Supreme Court:

CJI: What is the latest fighter aircraft being inducted in the IAF?

ACAS: Su30MKI. Ongoing production till 2021, being delivered by the HAL.

CJI: Manufactured in Bangalore?

ACAS: No Sir. These are being manufactured at HAL Nashik Division. In addition, LCA is being manufactured in Bangalore and is being inducted into the IAF. I have been an LCA pilot and it is an excellent aircraft.

CJI: Which generation of fighter are these?

ACAS: Sir, there is no clear-cut definition of Generation of aircraft.

CJI: You are a fighter pilot you give me your assessment

ACAS: I would say between 4th and 3rd generation, 3.5 plus (Sukhoi is 4th Generation, LCA 3.5plus because its BVR missile is under induction)

CJI: Which generation of fighters are in the world today fifth and sixth?

ACAS: Currently aircraft are of 5th generation. These have stealth features and have advanced electronic warfare systems

CJI: When was Mirage 2000 inducted?

ACAS: The last aircraft was inducted in 1985.

CJI: Which other countries are flying Rafale?

ACAS: Qatar, Egypt and France.

CJI: When were these inducted?

ACAS: 2014 in Qatar. Egypt and France have been flying from before.

CJI: You may leave now. This is a different kind of war room and you all can go to your war rooms.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 21 Nov 2018 03:21

CJI brother retired as Air Marshal Gogoi

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 21 Nov 2018 03:34

Yes indeed. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi's older brother is Air Marshal Anjan Gogoi (Retd).

When CJI Ranjan Gogoi lost a toss and it changed his destiny
https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/st ... 2018-10-04

A loss of toss with his elder brother decades ago changed the destiny of 64-year-old Ranjan Gogoi who took charge as India's 46th Chief Justice on Wednesday. When they were growing up in Dibrugarh, their father former Assam chief minister Keshab Chandra Gogoi told the two that only one of them could join Sainik School. The three decided to go for a toss. Elder brother Anjan won it and headed for Army school and eventually went on to become an Air Marshal.

Vips · Post by **Vips** » 21 Nov 2018 09:11

From 2:45 to 5:20 - Listing of 14 specific changes/upgrades to the Rafale meant for the IAF.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 22 Nov 2018 00:02

Vishnu Som is apparently not correct about his guesses on what he thought was the India specific changes that were visually apparent. that antenna right behind the cockpit is on Egyptian Rafales as well. And therefore, cannot be the India specific Israeli satcom. Apparently, the SATCOM antenna is mounted on the upper right cheek (source is a French poster on Keypubs forum who typically knows more about the Rafale than most others)

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 22 Nov 2018 05:30

Dassault's JV with Reliance (DRAL) deal details are in this AW&ST article. More details than I have seen before, hence posting the relevant parts here in full

The highest-profile offset agreement is with Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd. (DRAL). The joint venture between Dassault and India’s Reliance Group has been portrayed by the former as the flagship of its investments in India. Reliance Group is owned by a Mumbai-based billionaire businessman, Anil Ambani.

DRAL has been the focus of criticism in the runup to the 2019 Indian general election, from the leading opposition party. The Congress Party alleges that the Rafale deal between France and India was arranged by Modi to benefit “his friend” Ambani. And it got the right ammunition to fire at Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party when former French President Francois Hollande stated in an interview in September, that India had suggested Reliance Defense Ltd. (a subsidiary of Reliance Group) as the offset partner. The Rafale deal was structured to favor one industrialist, according to him. Three Indian politicians say they have filed a joint petition to the Central Bureau of Investigation regarding the Rafale transaction.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier is adamant his team freely chose Reliance. But he has downplayed DRAL’s role, noting it will account for only 10% of his company’s offset obligations. He was reacting to a recent story in French online publication Mediapart, which suggested—with supporting photos—that Dassault and its local partner are late in installing production facilities in Nagpur. There, DRAL is supposed to manufacture subassemblies for the Falcon 2000, and eventually become a final assembly line for the business jet. It is also expected to produce Rafale parts.

Dassault has a four-phase plan for the Nagpur factory. It says the first Falcon 2000 subassemblies will be delivered by year-end, which would be consistent with previous statements. Primary parts are subcontracted to Indian industry—Dassault uses companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Mahindra, Maini and TAL. The airframer has long worked with Indian partners such as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for Mirage 2000 upgrades.

The DRAL factory is to put together the T1 forward fuselage section and its subassemblies. It will also handle subassemblies of the Rafale’s control surfaces and engine pylons.

To launch operations in Nagpur in April, four Indian production managers trained for six months at Dassault’s Biarritz, France, factory. A dozen workers were trained in assembly processes. “Digital continuity” between Dassault in France and DRAL is planned for this year, meaning the same information systems and network will be used.

In the second quarter of 2019, a larger building will enable the assembly and junction of the T1 and T2 fuselage sections. Production of complete control surfaces will begin in the third quarter. That is only the first phase.

The second, late in 2019, will see the manufacturing of the horizontal tailplane and one more fuselage section of the Falcon 2000. The canopy and windshield of India’s Rafales will be made in Nagpur, too, in the same period.

The third phase will begin late in 2020. It will involve joining Falcon 2000 fuselage sections and installing electric and hydraulic systems. The aircraft will be entirely put together in Nagpur; they will take off from there as well.

The fourth and final phase will begin in 2022 with “automated wing assembly” and “putting together sections that include fuel tanks,” says Dassault.

For the Rafale, Defsys will assemble hard points for external fuel tanks and Mica air-to-air missiles. Defsys is scheduled to start this year with Dassault-furnished parts; Indian-made parts will be used in 2019. As of last summer, Dassault had placed “assessment orders” with about 15 Indian suppliers.

In engineering, the new Dassault Aircraft Services India-Engineering Center will help with the design of future Falcons and updates for Indian Rafales, among other work. Dassault’s French suppliers for the Rafale program are setting up an Indian supply chain, too. AEds Technologie has partnered with a local company to produce external fuel tanks.

Dassault makes clear it is ready to put together Rafales in India “one day,” in the framework of a future contract. Deliveries under the current deal are planned for the 2019-22 period.

Dassault suggests the French Air Force has a role in initial pilot and maintenance technician training, but the service would not comment. The OEM says its part in Indian pilot training will start in September 2019, from its Rafale final assembly line in Bordeaux. Some 800 flights are planned by January 2021, according to French online publication Aerobuzz.fr, which quotes information supplied to residents in the vicinity of Bordeaux–Merignac Airport.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will split its Rafales into two 18-aircraft squadrons on distinct air bases. The IAF’s Rafale program management team has had representatives working at Dassault’s Saint-Cloud headquarters since the summer of 2017.

In April, the IAF issued a request for information for up to 110 “advanced medium combat aircraft.” India has in recent years diversified its arms purchases, turning to the U.S., Israel and France for modern equipment. In fact, the U.S. has emerged as India’s No. 2 weapons supplier, closing $15 billion worth of deals over the last decade.

The 36 Rafales were bought off the shelf after a stalled tender. According to defense ministry sources, the new tender for 110 aircraft was made to allow manufacturers such as Boeing and United Aircraft Corp. to pitch their twin-engine combat aircraft in the deal.

“The Trump administration can’t afford to antagonize India in any way, as the opportunities are too sweet to let go,” says a Indian government official. At issue is India’s early October purchase of Russian-built S-400 Triumph (SA-21 Growler) missile defense systems. President Donald Trump has said he will soon reveal whether the deal triggers penalties under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (Caatsa).

In August, India approved two key military purchases from the U.S., including a $1 billion surface-to-air missile system developed in part by Raytheon and a $2 billion government-to-government deal for 24 MH-60R multirole anti-submarine warfare helicopters from Lockheed Martin for the Indian Navy.

Lockheed Martin, which has received a request for information from India for F-16s, recently said it sees a huge export potential to supply over 200 to the global market if India chooses the aircraft. The company said the export potential could be met through an exclusive production line it proposed to establish in India.

The Indian government official says that the defense ministry has allayed U.S. fears that the S-400 system will pose a challenge to Washington. “There is no question of the IAF sharing its radar signature library with the Russian Air Force, if [we buy] U.S. fighters,” he adds. The U.S. is concerned that countries that possess S-400s could test the stealth capabilities of American fighter jets, and would have access to the data of U.S. jets, and that data could be leaked to Russia or other U.S. adversaries.

The U.S. president has waiver authority with Caatsa. According to the government official, the Modi administration hopes that the Trump administration “will come to the right conclusion about issuing the S-400 waiver in its own self-interest, recognizing India’s importance for the success of its long-term strategy in Asia.”

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 Nov 2018 21:14

India-specific Rafale add-ons after delivery of all 36 fighters
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 532159.ece

The enhanced capabilities of the Rafale fighter aircraft sought by India will be incorporated after all the 36 jets are delivered, according to sources in the Defence Ministry. There are 13 India Specific Enhancement (ISE) capabilities sought by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and they would be incorporated in batches after April 2022, an official source said. “After the 36th jet is delivered, the first 35 aircraft would be modified in India by Dassault Aviation at the rate of seven aircraft a month so that all 36 aircraft would be of the same capability by September 2022,” the official source with knowledge of the matter said.

67-month wait

The first Rafale for India made its maiden flight on October 30 in France and is designated RB 008. It will, however, be the last to be delivered to the IAF in April 2022, 67 months after the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). “This aircraft would be used to test and certify the ISE, which can only be employed after certification,” the official stated. An IAF document accessed by The Hindu states that the 13 ISE capabilities are “not present in the Rafale aircraft being operated by other countries. These capabilities pertain to radar enhancements, which will provide the force with better long range capability. One of the specific capability being acquired is the ‘helmet mounted display’ through which IAF pilots will be able to counter many threats simultaneously. “Another very significant capability enhancement sought is the ability to start and operate from high altitude airfields,” the document states. \

The enhancement includes an advanced infra red search-and-track sensor and a very potent electronic jammer pod. “The remaining ISE capability pertain to avionics,” the document stated. In September 2016, India and France signed a €7.87 billion IGA for 36 Rafales in fly-away condition following the surprise announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2015 citing “critical operational necessity” of the IAF. As per the IGA, deliveries begin 36 months from the signing of contract and will be completed in 67 months. The government has consistently maintained that the deal for 36 jets was done to ensure quick delivery of fighter aircraft to the IAF, which is facing a drop in squadron strength.

Egyptian model

In contrast, Egypt which signed a €5.2 bn deal for 24 Rafale jets — 16 two-seater and eight single-seater variants — in February 2015, took delivery of the first batch of three aircraft in July of the same year. Commenting on this, Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (retd.), who oversaw the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurement in the past, said structural changes required would be carried out in all aircraft during manufacture and only software upgrades are carried out later. “There would be some software standards which would be incorporated once the production standards are ready. This can be done quickly,” he said.

It was good that some of the testing would be done in India, as the IAF would be involved and gain from the process, he said. On the quick deliveries to Egypt, he observed that Dassault Aviation may have taken them off from the French assembly line as Egypt acquired the same variant. Another officer, Air Vice Marshal Amit Aneja (retd) too echoed these views. He said the upgrade rate of seven a month meant “it is software integration”, which is inserted and upgraded. “The aircraft looks the same. It is the capability enhancement. It is all about avionics, sensors and sensor fusion. And sensor fusion capability is the most critical aspect today,” he pointed out.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 Nov 2018 21:17

I posted this tweet earlier....but worth posting again, in light of the two recent articles below....

https://twitter.com/Ra_Bies/status/1062369142945316869 ----> Dassault’s CEO is lying, Defence Minister is lying, Indian Government is lying, French Government is lying, documents are lying, offset partners including Ambani are lying. The only person telling the truth is Raja Rahul Harishchandra Gandhi

I don't lie, Rafale 9% cheaper: Dassault CEO hits back at Rahul Gandhi
https://www.business-standard.com/artic ... 733_1.html

Rafale Row: Air Force Will Not Do Anything Wrong, Says Officer Who Tested Fighter Jet
https://www.news18.com/news/india/rafal ... 44023.html

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 24 Nov 2018 16:58

French NGO that complained against Rafale has been accused of ‘destroying reputation to gain media attention and funds’

French NGO that complained against Rafale has been accused of ‘destroying reputation to gain media attention and funds’

NOVEMBER 24, 2018

The fear-mongering of the opposition with regards to the Rafale deal got a new lease of life as news trickled in that a French NGO, Sherpa, headed by one William Bourdon has filed a complaint with the national financial prosecutor’s office in Paris against the Rafale defence deal. The NGO was immediately hailed as an ‘anti-corruption’ crusader, which may as well be. However, William Bourdon hasn’t been an alien to his share of controversies in the past.

Sherpa, headed by William Bourdon has been accused in the past of meddling in the affairs of African countries to get media coverage and funds in exchange. A detailed report was published in International Policy Digest that detailed his exploits in Africa and termed him as a media hungry person.

Reportedly, Bourdon was closely associated with Mohamad Ould Boumataou when he filed corruption charges against the Mauritian President, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Bouamatou’s cousin and political opponent. Sherpa was also entirely funded by an organization both Bourdon and Bouamtou were board members of in 2015 and 2016. Three relatives of the Mauritian President are set to file a defamation suit against the lawyer-businessman.

Sherpa has also been involved in a number of failed corporate lawsuits. The NGO filed human rights charges against corporate giants like Samsung Electronics and Vinci Construction Company. The latter vigorously denied the allegations that it violated the rights of migrant workers in Qatar helping build the football stadiums for the 2022 World Cup and initiate defamation proceedings against the NGO.

Quite clearly, Sherpa and Bourdon have acquired widespread notoriety for their antics around the world. It does not bode well for political discourse in the country that people are willing to take the claims of anyone as gospel truth without verifying their credentials.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 24 Nov 2018 17:12

Sherpa’s founder, William Bourdon seems like just another bottom feeding, ambulance chasing, white trash scum unscrupulously looking to cash in on the rafale deal and hoping that maybe both parties may wish to pay him off.

French NGO Sherpa Meddles in Africa for Money

WORLD NEWS /27 MAY 2018
Carmelo Cruz

French NGO Sherpa Meddles in Africa for Money

The ‘high profile lawsuit’ against Equatorial Guinea’s vice-president, Teodorin Obiang, isn’t the first publicity stunt pulled off by William Bourdon, the French lawyer of the Paris Bar Association. One of his many such cases is the corruption charges filed against the Mauritanian president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, while simultaneously feeding on massive fees, paid by his cousin brother and opponent, Mohamed Ould Bouamatou.

‘Bankrolled’ Lawsuit

Mohamed Ould Bouamatou, besides being the Mauritanian president’s cousin and opponent, is also a banker and businessman who has spent more than 6 years in exile in Morocco following his role in the Leyne Strauss-Kahn and Partners’ (LSK) bankruptcy scandal and escaping the possible aftermath of filing corruption charges against the Mauritanian president.

Sherpa’s founder,William Bourdon and Bouamatou, share a close relationship. The two even released unproven corruption allegations against Abdel Aziz through reports published in 2013 and 2017 respectively, claiming Abdel Aziz’s government as corrupt, was released by Sherpa. Now, the relatives of the president are set to file a case of defamation against Sherpa.

The association shared by Bourdon with Bouamatou, who are both board members of the “Foundation for Equal Opportunities in Africa,” founded by Bouamatou, is much stronger than it appears. In fact, ‘The Fondation pour l’Egalité des Chances en Afrique’ (The Foundation for Equal Opportunities in Africa) contributed the entire “operational budget” of Sherpa for the year 2015 and 2016, respectively. Interestingly, according to Sherpa’s Activity Report for 2015, the French NGO received funding of €483,191 as its total budget for the year 2015, from several undisclosed donors.

The proof of Sherpa’s ‘financial affair’ with Bouamatou’s foundation, while serving his interests, first surfaced when Mrs. Franceline Lepany, the president of Sherpa, explicitly recognized in her statements made to a weekly, “Jeune Afrique,” the signature of partnership agreement between Sherpa and the Bouamatou foundation.

The questionable association of Sherpa with Bouamatou’s foundation explains in itself what the NGO had been working on since 2009 and was merely a smear campaign against the Mauritanian government, to tarnish its reputation.

Meddling in African Politics

Bourdon is also accused of intervening into the political condition of several other African nations. The Equatorial Guinea, for instance, is one of the targets whose vice-president was charged for ’embezzlement of government funds’ along with the Bongo family in the state of Gabon and the family of Denis Sassou-Nguesso (Congo-Brazzaville), all of whom became a target of William Bourdon’s “ill-gotten property” survey.

It is not by coincidence that all of the cases were filed against three of the most powerful, political families of Africa, who have all been subjected to similar charges – “ill-gotten property.” William’s impulse to attract traction from global media as well as excitement to exercise his power by changing the dynamics of African politics is clearly visible with this constant meddling.

Failed Corporate Lawsuits

Of all the desperate lawsuits filed by the limelight-hungry French lawyer, William Bourdon, his fight against the ‘human rights violation’ and financial crimes committed by white-collared businesses and ‘kleptocratic’ nations, has caused the highest level of damage to his reputation possible. Despite “cleaning” up the world’s dirt, not everybody is all-praises for Sherpa. At least, not a significant number of critics Sherpa earned through the years, who claim that the NGO is merely destroying the reputation of (specifically) large-scale and vulnerable companies to gain “media attention and funds” in exchange.

When William filed human rights violation charges against corporate giants like, Samsung Electronics and Vinci Construction Company, they backfired and made him infamous for filing bogus lawsuits just to attract media attention in mass by only targeting notable personalities and firms that are vulnerable to reputational damage and are massively popular amongst media groups. Though, the lawyer managed to cause a stir in the media, as desired, Bourdon’s lawsuit backfired due to the counter attack from Vinci Construction Company, which dared to challenge the lawsuit by filing a defamation case against the NGO. The counter lawsuit filed by Vinci Construction against French NGO Sherpa made the organization liable to pay a sum of £405,000. Meanwhile, Sherpa’s Director Laetitia Liebert, and legal expert, Marie-Laure Guislain were jointly sued for £203,000. As a result, it was later announced by the public prosecutor of Nanterre, who fought on behalf of the construction company, that no further action would be carried out on the Sherpa-Vinci case following the lawsuit filed by the targeted firm.

Since then Sherpa spared white-collared businesses and began a war versus the financial crimes and human rights violation committed by the so-called ‘kleptocratic’ nations, with Africa as its target. Moreover, with a history of supporting bizarre cases like that of Kadhafi’s son, the Parisian lawyer, Bourdon only attracted the ‘wrong type’ of media attention by taking up unusual unconventional cases.

viveks · Post by **viveks** » 01 Dec 2018 17:17

Please try to be on topic. Rafale ka mashal aur mafaal bunn raha hai...both in media and here.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 05 Dec 2018 00:28

https://twitter.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1 ... 7045114882 ----> As the Supreme Court gets set to rule on the Rafale deal (who knows when), here are two new images of a brand new IAF Rafale being flight tested in France.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 05 Dec 2018 00:53

Rafale HUD

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 07 Dec 2018 01:17

Latest Standard Rafale Gains Clearance; First Indian Aircraft Flies
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news ... raft-flies

Representing the F3R standard Rafale, this aircraft carries a Talios pod and is armed with AASM guided bombs and Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, with MICA IR weapons on the wingtips. (Photo: Dassault).

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 11 Dec 2018 09:13

Hasimara getting ready to welcome Rafale jets
http://www.asianage.com/metros/kolkata/ ... -jets.html

Sources indicated that the renovation work of the hangers at the airbase is focussed on the dual use which would allow the IAF not only to accommodate Rafale aircraft but also fighter aircraft like Su-30s alternatively.

The Hasimara Air Force Station (AFS) in North Bengal is expected to be ready in the next two years to welcome the Rafale fighter aircraft which will have its second squadron there. According to sources, the multi-role combat aircraft are likely to be arriving by the end of 2020 for the raise of its squadron. But the number of aircraft in the first batch of arrival is not clear yet. The first squadron of Rafale fighter jets is likely to be raised at Ambala AFS in Punjab in March next year, sources told this newspaper. Located in Alipurduar district, Hasimara has however no squadron based there now. It has been undergoing upgradation in some key areas since the Indian Air Force (IAF) decided to raise a Rafale squadron there to face the Chinese threat. One of them is the runway which was last resurfaced way back in 1993.

“If the runway is not smooth, a fighter aircraft can face challenges in taking off and landing. Therefore the work of resurfacing the runway has been started. It is expected to be completed in next six months. A runway of 8,500-9,000 ft in length is the standard. Initially there was a thought to extend the runway’s length in Hasimara airbase,” a senior IAF official said on condition of anonymity. He however added that the idea was later dropped given the available length there already. Sources indicated that the renovation work of the hangers at the airbase is focussed on the dual use which would allow the IAF not only to accommodate Rafale aircraft but also fighter aircraft like Su-30s alternatively. Besides, pens will be built to keep Rafale aircraft combat ready. Among other infrastructure build-up is the performance-based logistics catering to the stores of key parts of the Rafale aircraft, sources added.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 00:46

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/1073198048614977537 ----> Big morning tomorrow: India’s Supreme Court to deliver verdict on petitions questioning the 2016 Rafale deal. Stay tuned for updates.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 00:47

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/1073243289082576896 ----> This photo just landed — RB008, the Indian Air Force’s 1st Rafale presses on with flight test at Istres, France.

ArjunPandit · Post by **ArjunPandit** » 14 Dec 2018 00:53

Rakesh wrote:https://twitter.com/livefist/status/1073243289082576896 ----> This photo just landed — RB008, the Indian Air Force’s 1st Rafale presses on with flight test at Istres, France.

if the flight testing is being done, why will they start arriving in 2019? Rafale is not exactly LCA - a completely new plane. Are india specific changes that much that they will require such long testing or is it just the norm?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 00:53

The Media's Supreme Court Judge has already given his verdict....

https://twitter.com/ajaishukla/status/1 ... 1392721920 ----> Judgment Day tomorrow on the Rafale. The Supreme Court will pronounce its order on Friday on the Rafale petitions. Many will have sleepless nights tonight. But my assessment is that the SC will let the government off with a mild reproof... citing national security. Let's see.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 00:57

ArjunPandit wrote:
Rakesh wrote:https://twitter.com/livefist/status/1073243289082576896 ----> This photo just landed — RB008, the Indian Air Force’s 1st Rafale presses on with flight test at Istres, France.
if the flight testing is being done, why will they start arriving in 2019? Rafale is not exactly LCA - a completely new plane. Are india specific changes that much that they will require such long testing or is it just the norm?

The first 35 Rafales will arrive without the India Specific Enhancements. The 36th Rafale - RB008 - is the aircraft (picture above) that is undergoing all the testing required and will be delivered to the IAF by March 2022. Once the 36th Rafale is delivered, the upgrades will commence on the remaining 35 Rafales in India and will be completed at the rate of 7 aircraft per month.

These India Specific Enhancements are such that they require extensive testing. These aircraft are not your vanilla Rafale and thus Dassault is required to certify each component that India has requested. This will be one deadly bird, in her final avatar.

India-specific Rafale add-ons after delivery of all 36 fighters
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ ... 532159.ece

“After the 36th jet is delivered, the first 35 aircraft would be modified in India by Dassault Aviation at the rate of seven aircraft a month so that all 36 aircraft would be of the same capability by September 2022,” the official source with knowledge of the matter said.

The first Rafale for India made its maiden flight on October 30 in France and is designated RB 008. It will, however, be the last to be delivered to the IAF in April 2022, 67 months after the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). “This aircraft would be used to test and certify the ISE, which can only be employed after certification,” the official stated.

An IAF document accessed by The Hindu states that the 13 ISE capabilities are “not present in the Rafale aircraft being operated by other countries. These capabilities pertain to radar enhancements, which will provide the force with better long range capability. One of the specific capability being acquired is the ‘helmet mounted display’ through which IAF pilots will be able to counter many threats simultaneously. “Another very significant capability enhancement sought is the ability to start and operate from high altitude airfields,” the document states. The enhancement includes an advanced infra red search-and-track sensor and a very potent electronic jammer pod. “The remaining ISE capability pertain to avionics,” the document stated.

Commenting on this, Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (retd.), who oversaw the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurement in the past, said structural changes required would be carried out in all aircraft during manufacture and only software upgrades are carried out later. “There would be some software standards which would be incorporated once the production standards are ready. This can be done quickly,” he said. It was good that some of the testing would be done in India, as the IAF would be involved and gain from the process, he said.

Another officer, Air Vice Marshal Amit Aneja (retd) too echoed these views. He said the upgrade rate of seven a month meant “it is software integration”, which is inserted and upgraded. “The aircraft looks the same. It is the capability enhancement. It is all about avionics, sensors and sensor fusion. And sensor fusion capability is the most critical aspect today,” he pointed out.

prat.patel · Post by **prat.patel** » 14 Dec 2018 01:26

Rakesh wrote:The Media's Supreme Court Judge has already given his verdict....

https://twitter.com/ajaishukla/status/1 ... 1392721920 ----> Judgment Day tomorrow on the Rafale. The Supreme Court will pronounce its order on Friday on the Rafale petitions. Many will have sleepless nights tonight. But my assessment is that the SC will let the government off with a mild reproof... citing national security. Let's see.

What a ridiculous and nonsensical tweet!!!
Jeet bhi meri aur pat bhi mera

Sorry for the vent, but had to get it out of my system.

Love the "The Media's Supreme Court Judge" comment...

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 14 Dec 2018 03:17

Rakesh wrote:https://twitter.com/livefist/status/1073243289082576896 ----> This photo just landed — RB008, the Indian Air Force’s 1st Rafale presses on with flight test at Istres, France.

^ Such a beauty !

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 14 Dec 2018 03:18

Rakesh wrote:The Media's Supreme Court Judge has already given his verdict....

https://twitter.com/ajaishukla/status/1 ... 1392721920 ----> Judgment Day tomorrow on the Rafale. The Supreme Court will pronounce its order on Friday on the Rafale petitions. Many will have sleepless nights tonight. But my assessment is that the SC will let the government off with a mild reproof... citing national security. Let's see.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 04:04

India to base Rafale at Hasimara to meet China threat
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/w ... id/1678538

By Kinsuk Basu in Kalaikunda, 12 December 2018

New Delhi has selected Hasimara Air Force Station in north Bengal for strategic build-up along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). South Block will upgrade infrastructure at the base to host Rafale fighter jets and increase funds for radar-based intelligence on Chinese airports in Lhasa and Shigatse on the other side of the border, air force officers in the know said. Officers of the Indian Air Force in Hasimara have written to the defence ministry seeking clearance to relay the runway and build a hanger to accommodate Sukhoi and Rafale fighter jets. Once done, the Hasimara air base will have the second squadron of the Rafale jets. The first one is likely to be raised at Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana. China, according to air force officers, built a runway at the Shigatse airport immediately after the Doklam standoff in August 2017. The distance between Hasimara and Tibet is around 384km and the airport at Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city, is a military-cum-civilian one. The Lhasa airport in Tibet’s capital is about 364km from the Hasimara air base.

“The runway at Hasimara was last relaid in 1993. We now want to rebuild it. The Rafale fighter jets can pick up even a pebble from the runway. That would be a disaster. We don’t want to take chances,” an air force officer said. “Dassault Aviation has already laid down certain specifications for its Performance Based Logistics centre that would double as the store for keeping Rafale spares,” the officer said. “We have written to the defence estates for necessary permission to make some constructions and chop down a few trees.” Hasimara Air Force Station in Alipurduar district, about 128km from Siliguri, is of strategic importance for its proximity to the India-Bhutan border. Also, the base is in the Siliguri corridor, to the north of which is China, the officer said. Hasimara used to house the MiG-27 ML till the aircraft were phased out towards the end of 2017. Now, there are the Sukhois — Su-30MKI — one of India’s top-of-the line fighter jets.

“A 8,500 to 9,000 ft-long runway in Hasimara will be relaid... it will take around six months to complete the job,” the officer said. “The hanger will accommodate both Rafale and Sukhoi fighter jets. We have drawn up futuristic plans.” The build-up at Ambala and Hasimara, according to air force officers, is part of South Block’s strategy against Beijing. China has its bases in Tibet; but their fighters cannot operate on optimum efficacy because of the high altitude. “We have mounted high-altitude radar to keep a count on their number of sorties towards Indian airspace. Officers are being stationed for three to six months in phases with advanced training for plotting the movements of Chinese jets,” an air commodore said. “It’s an arduous task. Hasimara has already started preparing for the future.”

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 04:12

An opinion piece by Air Marshal B D Jayal (retd)

India must renegotiate plan for HAL to build Rafale aircraft
https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/ ... id/1676891

Dated - 28 Nov 2018

The political controversy surrounding the procurement of the Rafale aircraft against a long-standing requirement of the Indian Air Force drew in its wake one more victim, with the president of the principal Opposition party addressing a gathering of past and present employees at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bangalore. The three pillars on which national air power rests are the IAF, research and development and associated aeronautics’ manufacturing infrastructure and, to a lesser extent, civil aviation. The growth of HAL since Independence has been linked to that of the IAF: not only has the IAF been its biggest customer, but it has also provided test pilots, engineers, test facilities and three managing directors/chairmen who then moved on to become the chief of air staff. On the financial front, in the initial years, HAL billing to the IAF was on a cost plus basis. In later years, while fixed costs were quoted, HAL budgets were bridged by IAF and HAL mutually adjusting the annual man-hour rates to cover deficits.

As aeronautics and space activities expanded in the country, there was the welcome entry of private enterprises in the small and medium sector. This continues to expand with offset obligations for imports and Make in India efforts. HAL has been listed on the stock exchange and government holding diluted to nearly 90 per cent. These are welcome steps towards larger private ownership. In the long run, HAL must stand on its own to compete internationally, unshackled from the control of the ministry of defence and its dependence on the IAF, its one major customer. The political debate surrounding the reasons why the previous proposal to manufacture Rafale aircraft at HAL was dropped has turned into one in which HAL finds itself on the back foot. The reasons why no agreement was reached are as follows: Dassault’s unwillingness to take responsibility for the quality of aircraft produced at HAL and, second, enhanced costs associated with HAL production man-hours being 2.7 times those of Dassault.

The MoD must bear the cross for both these issues. It speaks poorly of our self-confidence that we wanted the foreign supplier to guarantee the quality of indigenously made aircraft. Similarly, there is precedence for a multiplication factor to be applied for HAL production and this should have been anticipated. The debate has found HAL at the receiving end of unfair criticism on both counts. That two former chairmen have been compelled to go public in HAL’s defence speaks of the damage being done to the morale of its workforce. Today, HAL stands disadvantaged because we have treated a modern aeronautics industry as a government department dependent largely on one customer. One example merits scrutiny. When the light combat aircraft project was launched, instead of tasking HAL that had a well-established aircraft design bureau, the MoD formed a society to undertake the task, ignoring the IAF’s views. The LCA’s troubled history has much to do with this ad hocism.

Similarly, during the heyday of the socialist economy, HAL was made to locate greenfield plants not on technical and commercial considerations but on the basis of social needs. The MiG-21 factory at Nashik, among others, is testimony to this. We as a nation do not appreciate the value of the aeronautics’ potential that we possess in terms of human, technical and other resources that has been nurtured over the decades in HAL and associated facilities. Part of the problem is the lack of political or administrative understanding of the challenges faced by a modern aeronautics industry. The IAF, although sympathetic, has its compulsions of operational preparedness and cannot be expected to defer to HAL’s problems. The MoD, with no specialists in either field, understands neither and is content playing the role of the arbiter. The result is India’s continuing dependence on imports for airborne platforms. There can be no ideological differences in the long-term objective of strengthening the pillars of national air power. Political sagacity can turn the present debate into an opportunity to put two pillars of Indian air power, IAF and HAL, on a sound footing for the medium term while preparing a strategy to achieve an aeronautics industry that will be internationally competitive. This, additionally, will contribute positively to the rapidly growing civil aviation sector and benefit from it.

India must demonstrate the political will to expand the current government-to-government agreement with France and revive and renegotiate the earlier proposal to build Rafale aircraft at HAL. This will help meet the IAF’s needs within a shorter time frame and enable HAL to upgrade its manufacturing standards and skills for a new generation of aircraft. Bipartisanship can evolve a strategic vision for aeronautics, the starting point of which can be the National Aeronautics Policy document submitted by the Aeronautical Society of India that was updated in 2004. Such an approach will let the international community know that India is united and determined to be among the best in aeronautics.

souravB · Post by **souravB** » 14 Dec 2018 04:18

Rakesh wrote:The Media's Supreme Court Judge has already given his verdict....

https://twitter.com/ajaishukla/status/1 ... 1392721920 ----> Judgment Day tomorrow on the Rafale. The Supreme Court will pronounce its order on Friday on the Rafale petitions. Many will have sleepless nights tonight. But my assessment is that the SC will let the government off with a mild reproof... citing national security. Let's see.

<rant>
Controlled my urge to reply but the situation reminds me of only one thing
To paraphrase Sultan Qureshi, 'He is flying with one wing and using the other to cover his backside.'
</rant>

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 10:48

Breaking News!!!! Rafale Won!!!!

CJI Ranjan Gogoi says no need for further probe!!!!

I am checking live updates on Twitter. Everyone please provide updates. Great day for the country!

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 14 Dec 2018 10:49

Decision is 3-0 in favour of the Modi Govt! YES!!!!!!

“We studied the materials carefully, Interacted with defence officials, we are satisfied with decision making process...” CJI Gogoi